Tag: Mark 14
Costly anointing oil
Scripture reading for February 27: Mark 14
“It was now two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to arrest Him by stealth and kill him, for they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people. And while He was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as He was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over His head. There were some who said to themselves indignantly, “Why was the ointment wasted like that? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor.” And they scolded her.” Mark 14:1-5
When we look at everything through the lens of profit, we don’t see as Jesus sees. Some of the disciples, Judas in particular, saw the woman pouring expensive anointing oil on Jesus. They deemed this a waste of potential profit to help the poor as it was worth a year’s wages. It seemed like a noble and godly way to look at things, since God does commend His people in caring for the poor. (Proverbs 14:31) But Judas, as treasurer of the disciples, had hidden motives as he had been taking from the treasury for himself. (John 12:5-6) We also note that Judas left after this incident and agreed with the religious leaders to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. His greed cost him and led to his own destruction.
Jesus viewed this act of worship by the woman as an honor. He said that she did that to prepare His body for burial, again telling them of His coming death. Jesus promised the disciples that wherever the Gospel was preached, this act of kindness would be remembered. That’s why it was written into God’s Word for us today and for all who will hear and believe. Our worship of Jesus through giving is honoring of Jesus and He takes note and rewards eternally!
As you consider this story, how would you judge this woman pouring out a year’s wages on Jesus? What do you think she was thinking as she made this offering? What change in your world view is Jesus calling you to with this story?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for my stingy eye when what I view as wasteful is really extravagant worship. Help me to see clearly what is of real value and worth in this world. May my worship be extravagant like this woman’s and pleasing to You. Amen.
She did what she could!
Scripture reading for February 29th: Mark 14
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Mark 14:6-9 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her: She has done a beautiful thing to Me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have Me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on My body beforehand to prepare for My burial. I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
Jesus was anointed with costly perfume by one of the women that followed Him. Some of the disciples, and particularly Judas, were upset over the apparent waste of a valuable and rare commodity. Their feelings concerned the poor and what the money could have done for them. Judas had other more selfish concerns. Jesus mildly rebuked them and reminded them of what would very soon happen to him.
As for this woman, Jesus commended her for doing a ‘beautiful thing to Me’! He was honored and knew that what she did came from her heart of love for Him. She ‘did what she could’ simply and willingly and is even today being rewarded as Jesus promised!
Observations for over-comers: Love for Jesus, extravagant giving and worship mark the lives of over-comers! They will enjoy eternal rewards! “Let Him kiss me with the kisses of His mouth–for your love is more delightful than wine. Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out.” (Song of Songs 1:2-3)
“Could you not keep watch one hour?”
Scripture reading for February 27th: Mark 14
Following the Last Supper, Jesus and the remaining eleven disciples went out to the Mount of Olives. They went to spend the night with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. The name of this garden indicated it was an ‘olive press’ where oil was squeezed from the olives grown there. It would be the place where Jesus sweat great drops of blood as He wrestled with fulfilling the will of God.
Prior to coming there, Jesus had prophesied, “You will all fall away, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” (Mark 14:27-28) Peter had protested that he would remain faithful, no matter what the others might do. Jesus told him plainly that he, too, would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed.
Jesus asked His disciples to sit with Him while He prayed. He took Peter, James and John and made a special request of them. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” He said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.” (Mark 14:34) Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father,” He said, “everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.” (Mark 14:36) When Jesus returned to where they were, He found these close followers sleeping. He particularly spoke to Peter, “Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Mark 14:37-38)
Prayer is a wrestling match with our flesh. One of our greatest needs is to watch and pray each day. Jesus is coming again! Depend on the Holy Spirit to help you to pray!